John Boyega, born in Peckham, south London, to Nigerian parents, cemented his place in the global film industry on Sunday night as he picked up the EE Rising Star award at the glitzy 2016 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).
The ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House was hosted by Stephen Fry.
Going from unknown actor to superstar-in-the-making thanks to his leading role in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, the 23-year-old beamed with delight as he beat out competition from more established stars including 50 Shades of Grey’s Dakota Johnson and Brie Larson, who was named Best Actress for her turn in Room.
Other nominees included Taron Egerton and Bel Powley.
Taking to the stage, he said: “First and foremost I want to thank God for this moment.
“Guys, I haven’t been doing this for a long time, it’s a fluke! I’m gonna share this award with all the young dreamers who are determined, who are hard working, who are quite frankly amazing. This is also for you. Blessings for your path and God bless.”
Speaking of his meteoric rise to fame, the Londoner exclaimed on the red carpet: “I was in South West London just this morning buying some bread and now I’ve put on a tux and here I am.”
Wilderness drama, The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, however dominated this year’s BAFTAs.
It was named best film while DiCaprio won best actor and Alejandro G Inarritu best director.
The Mexican director described the win as “overwhelming”. He said DiCaprio’s “talent and commitment” to the “risky project” had “kept the film breathing”.
DiCaprio, who plays fur-trapper Hugh Glass, said he was “humbled and honoured” and praised the influence of British actors on his acting career. He also used his win to wish his mother a happy birthday.
Apocalyptic action movie Mad Max: Fury Road took four awards: for make-up and hair, editing, costumes and production design.
Brie Larson won the best leading actress award for her role as a kidnapped mother in Room.
Director Lenny Abrahamson, who picked up the award on her behalf, called her “one of the best actors of her generation.”
Both supporting acting prizes went to British winners.
Steve Jobs star Kate Winslet was named best supporting actress, beating double nominee Alicia Vikander, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rooney Mara and fellow Brit Julie Walters.
Picking up her statuette, Winslet praised her fellow nominees saying it had been “an extraordinary year for women”.
She also gave thanks to the real Joanna Hoffman, Jobs’ loyal assistant, who she said was “so wonderful telling her stories to me”.
Mark Rylance won best supporting actor for his role as British-born Soviet agent in Bridge of Spies.
